REMARKS BY AIT KAOHSIUNG BRANCH CHIEF ROBERT FORDEN

Enoura Maru Memorial Service Sunday, January 9, 2005 Kaohsiung

I am proud to be here today with you to honor the memory of those brave men who lost their lives here 60 years ago in the cause of freedom. Standing here on this warm sunny day in Kaohsiung, looking out at the calm seas and the city of people going about their everyday lives, it’s hard to imagine the horrendous conditions under which the American prisoners of war found themselves 60 years ago today.

On board the “hell ships” they suffered under such severe, inhumane conditions, with little or no food or water, that many died each day. Those that held on, survived only by thinking of their loved ones at home and the hope that they would have the chance to return home and return to their lives. However, most never saw their homes again, never again saw their wives or held their children. More than 300 died not far from where we stand.

For all the sadness we have for their suffering and their sacrifice, however, we know that their lives were lost in the noblest of causes, the cause of freedom. Because of their sacrifices, we live in a world that has provided more peace, prosperity and freedom than most would have ever imagined 60 years ago.

In many ways, the success of those who fought so bravely then, has left us so comfortable, that it might be easy for us to forget what it took to get here. But we do not forget. Today we remember and we honor those who gave up everything for us. Today we remember especially those who died nearby on board the Enoura Maru.

Many of those who died here in 1945 left behind wives, children and friends who are still alive today. I hope this ceremony plays at least a small part in letting them know that their husband, father, grandfather, or friend is remembered, even by those of us who did not know them personally. We remember their courage and remember their sacrifice, and we are grateful.

On behalf of the American Institute in Taiwan and the American community here, I want to say thank you to those who gave their lives for us, who gave their lives for freedom. We honor their sacrifice.